Top awards for Lood and Damian
Lood De Jager of South Africa battles with James Broadhurst of New Zealand during the 2015 Castle Rugby Championship match between South Africa and New Zealand at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on July 25, 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix Lood De Jager of South Africa battles with James Broadhurst of New Zealand during the 2015 Castle Rugby Championship match between South Africa and New Zealand at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on July 25, 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Lood de Jager’s standout performances for the Springboks last year were recognised last night when the Cheetahs lock was named SA Rugby Player of the Year for 2015, while Super Rugby Player of the Year award went to Stormers centre Damian de Allende.
“I had an unbelievable year with the Springboks, although it was a bit up and down for the team,” said De Jager. “A lot of younger players gained experience, we just have to now go out and use it in 2016.”
Western Province Under-18 lock and Paarl Gym captain Ernst van Rhyn was voted the best player at the Craven Week.
2015 winners:
SARU Rugby Player of the Year: Lood de Jager
Young Player of the Year: Jesse Kriel
Players’ Player of the Year: Jaco Kriel
SA Sevens Player of the Year: Werner Kok
SA Under-20 Player of the Year: Warrick Gelant
Team of the Year: Golden Lions (Currie Cup)
Coach of the Year: Johann Ackermann (Golden Lions)
Super Rugby Player of Year: Damian de Allende (Stormers)
Vodacom Cup Player of the Year: Marnus Schoeman (Pumas)
Currie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year: Jaco Kriel (Golden Lions)
Currie Cup First Division Player of the Year: Rhyno Smith (Leopards)
Try of the Year: Johan Deysel (NWU-Pukke v Shimas, Varsity Cup final)
Craven Week Player of the Year: Ernst van Rhyn (WP)
Referee Award: Rasta Rasivhenge
Women’s Achiever Award: Veroeshka Grain
Club Player of the Year: Leon du Plessis (Rustenburg Impala)